19

Dr. Nelson Harrison

Male

Pittsburgh, PA

United States

Profile Information:

Favorite website: http://jazzhoprevolution.com
Favorite blog: http://www.novacopia.org
Pittsburgh Connection: Born raised and embedded in Pittsburgh. Crescent Elementary, Baxter Jr. High, Westinghouse High and University of Pittsburgh.
Favorite Pittsburgh musicians/performers: Pittsburgh musicians are the best in the world. There are too many to name especially since I have played here for 50+ years. I have had the honor and privilege of playing with a few of the legends of Pittsburgh, e.g., Billy Eckstine, Earl "Fatha" Hines, Kenny Clarke, Art Blakey, Stanley Turrentine, Sam Johnson, Joe Harris, J.C. Moses, Dakota Staton, Lena Horne, Grover Mitchell and Walt Harper.. My mentoring came from Warren Watson, Joe Westray, Carl Arter, Eddie "Rabbit" Barnes, Sam Hurt, Harold & Jerry Betters, Jerry Elliot, Bobby Jones, Art Nance, Cecil Brooks II, Bobby Boswell and Ahmad Jamal. My teachers were Fanetta Gordon, Carl McVicker, Sr. and Matty Shiner. My favorite pianist of all is Ahmad Jamal. If I went further to include my peer group down through the young lions of today I would run out of space.
Favorite Jazz Radio or media station: WZUM, WYEP (blues), WRCT
Favorite Pittsburgh Jazz Venue: The Crawford Grill #2 is my favorite stage to play in the entire world. There was also the Midway Lounge, the Hurricane, the Diplomat, the Ebony Lounge, the Crescendo, the Rendevous, the Florentine, the Loendi Club, the Local #471 Musicians' Club in S'Liberty, Horseley's, the Loft, Ramseys II, the Pirate Inn, the Copa, the Encore I & II, the Pink Cloud, the Pitt Pot, the Black Magic, the Tiger's Tail, the Zebra Room, etc. to bring back a few memories of the erstwhile clubs.
About Me:: Ph. D. in clinical psychology, educator, composer, archivist, lyricist, arranger, ASCAP, playwright, speaker, photographer; veteran trombonist of the Count Basie Orchestra featuring Joe Williams, Sarah Vaughan, Helen Humes, Joe Turner, Eddie Vinson, Dennis Rowland (‘78-80 incl. Japan tour); played with Dionne Warwicke, The Supremesm The Spinners, Eddie Kendricks, and The Temptations (’64), Joe Westray, Brooke Benton, Earl Grant, Mary Wells (1962 – 72); Sonny and the Premiers (1963 – 67); Walt Harper (1967-70); Brook Benton, Earl Grant, Chuck Jackson, Gene Ludwig, James Brown (’67-68); Nathan Davis (1970-75); Lena Horne and Tony Bennett (‘74), Don Byas, Billy Eckstine and Earl "Fatha" Hines (1975), Marva Josie, Martha Reeves, Barry White ('76), Kenny Clarke (‘79), Liberace (’77), Nancy Wilson and Melba Moore (’78), J.C. Heard, Charlie Gabriel, Marcus Belgrave ('78), Sammy Davis, Jr. and Aretha Franklin (’79 & 2015), Perry Como and Johnny Mathis (‘80), Bobby Vinton (’81), Ginger Rogers, Jerry Butler, Teddy Pendergrass, George Gobel, Red Skelton, the Smothers Brothers, Joan Rivers, Lola Falana, Donna Summer, Engelbert Humperdinck and Glenn Campbell (’82), Jay McShann (‘87), Slide Hampton (‘86), Nelson Riddle (’84) Al Cohn, Marvin Hamlisch (’97) and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band in New Orleans (’98) Irma Thomas, also Jimmy Owens, Joe Lastie, Gerald French, John Clayton, Bobby Plater, Freddie Green, Cleveland Eaton, Gerald Wilson, Stanley Turrentine, Tommy Turrentine, Dr. David Baker, Butch Miles, Duffy Jackson, Karlton Hester, Arnett Cobb, Pauly Cohen, Ramon Morris, Geri Allen, Jothan Callins, Donald Byrd, Freddie Redd, Larry Ridley, Jack McDuff, J.C. Moses, Nathan East, Andy Bey ('77), Nathan Davis ('70-'75) to name only a few; inventor of the "Trombetto," a compact brass instrument with four valves that plays a chromatic range of six octaves with a trombone mouthpiece; played at festivals in New Orleans, London, Edinburg, Sacramento, New York City, Seattle; clinics and lectures in Santa Cruz and San Jose, CA, Quebec City and Montreal, Canada, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Cleveland, New York and Toronto; scores written to movies by Georg Sanford Brown and John Russo and plays by Richard Wright, August Wilson and Rob Penny; lyricist of 125 bop standards; featured horn soloist avec vocalese with the Pittsburgh Connection Big Band at the 2007 IAJE Convention in NYC; nationally recognized expert on Pittsburgh jazz history.

Currently active in Pittsburgh with The Blues Orphans, Wee Jams, Studio-E Band, George Gee Orchestra, the Boilermaker Jazz Band and my own The World According to Bop, Jazz ‘N Jive, Dr. Jazz and the Salty Dawgs, Blue to the Bone, and Nelson Harrison and Associates and Ronnie Jones and Jazz Conversations.

Discography: Live at the Attic (1969) with the Walt Harper Quintet (Birmingham Label); Makatuka (1970) (Segue Label) and Suite for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (1971) (Tomorrow International Label) with Nathan Davis; Kansas City Shout (1980) with the Count Basie Orchestra (Pablo Label); On A Coconut Island( 1993), Don't Give Up the Ship (1995), Burgundy Street Blues (1996) and Honky Tonk Town (1997) with the Boilermaker Jazz Band (Biograph Label); Tuesday Night at James Street (2002) with the RH Factor, Don’t Give Up (2003) with the Roger Humphries Big Band; Moonlit River (2003) songs by Fred Moolten, (MGO Media Label); 21st-Century Musicism (2005) compositions by Karlton E. Hester (Hesteria Records); If I Can’t Dance, It’s Not My Revolution (2006) Anne Feeney; Schism ‘n Blues (2005) & Root Rot (2007) with the Blues Orphans (Staggerin’ Fitz Label) which are the first commercial recordings of the trombetto, Not from Concentrate (2007) Genie Walker & Harmonique (Hip Tip Label).

He is is cited in the Marquis publication Who’s Who in the East (1979, The Jazz Men by Larry Tye, Mariner Books (2024)and August Wilson: A Life by Patti Hartigan, Simon & Schuster (2023); received the Renaissance Too Magazine Professional Men in Jazz Award (1989) and the East Liberty Hall of Fame (1991), the Westinghouse High School Hall of Fame (1995), Evolution of Jazz: Bridging the Gap Mentors Award (2006), the Walt Harper All That Jazz Award (2008), the Legacy Arts Project Keepers of the Flame Award (2008), the Build the Hill Award (2008) and the MCG Jazz Pittsburgh Legends of Jazz Award (2008), African American Council on the Arts Rob Penny Lifetime Achievement Award (2009), Jazz Journalists Association (JJA) Jazz Heroes Award (2015).

Blogs:
http://www.jjajazzawards.org/p/blog-page.html
http://oldmonmusic.blogspot.com/2009/12/dr-nelson-harrison.html
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/cres-oneal/2010/06/16/dr-nelson-harrison
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/theremix/2009/05/30/dr-nelson-harrison...
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/musicwoman/2008/10/01/metaphysics-of-m...
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/soulutionsradio/2009/07/06/dr-nelson-h...
Website:: http://www.pittsburghartistregistry.org/drjazz
Artist or Fan: artist, fan, industry professional, student, media

Comment Wall:

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Rev. Dr. Bobby Fulton, Ph.D.

Nelson,
Your lyrical tribute to "Little John" was appropriately "Super!" Thanks for sharing it.

Bobby

Jul 29, 2008
Mark Yokim

Jazz encounters of the Blues Kind, was nice!

Jul 29, 2008
Jagsu

Nelson, great lyrics, and a beautiful performance (never winked back at fireflies ... but, that yellow rose ... ) -- Nice tribute!!!

Jul 30, 2008
Stan Gilmer

Hey Nelson, good work bro'.

Jul 30, 2008
Kenny Hawkins

Hey Nelson,

I just finished listening to I Don't Sang for Free. That song had me on the floor laughing. This song righteously captured the sentiment of many a musician.
Take care and be well

Kenny

Jul 30, 2008
Hallie

Hello darling! I had a lovely time talking on Monday as always!!
xoxoxo

Jul 30, 2008
SOUTHSIDE JERRY MELLIX

Yea man, I dig the tune; 'LITTLE JOHN'. Wish I could hear thear the lyrics being song with it. Do you have that too?

Jul 30, 2008
sean jones

Nelson,

Thanks for creating such a wonderful space. You've paved the way for so many!!

Bless you,

Sean

Jul 30, 2008
ABSHALOM BEN SHLOMO

I'M TRULY APPRECIATIVE 4 ALL U'VE DONE N DOING, CONTINUE 2 B BLESSED N ALL U B...! LUV 2 PLAY WIT U SOON 2

Jul 30, 2008
Adam Brock

you got some lyrics to some bop songs for a male scat singer?

Jul 31, 2008
Jim Farquar

Hello Nelson. Thanks for the help with Duquesne's Guitar and Bass workshop. It was a great asset. Jim Farquar

Aug 1, 2008
Danny C. Sillada

Hi Nelson, it's a great tribute to Johnny Griffin. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to know your music :)

Aug 1, 2008
Richy Muckle

Hey Nelson,
Hope you are well. I like the tribute and the lyrics to Johnny Griffin. Keep it up man, as it's much appreciated here! Thanks,
Richy Muckle

Aug 1, 2008
Adam Brock

heck yeah! I got a gig with John D'Amico this Friday...if you have them in digital form? email me some if you want!
adamdouglasbrock@gmail.com

Aug 3, 2008
Shawncito

Greetings Nelson,
Thanks for the invite. I came across a link for this site via Bro.
Sun Ship. I'm very impressed. I'm realy diggin' your music. I love it over here!
Peace.

Aug 4, 2008
Kira Gray

Greetings:
I enjoyed the lyrics while I listened to Johnny Griffin. The meaning of the words seemed to fit well with the tone of the tune, happy, confident, complex, sassy, mellow, swingy. Are you going to be singing those lyrics? I would like to hear them sung.
Warm Regards,
Kira Gray

Aug 4, 2008
Elli Fordyce

Hi All:

I'm making my re-debut in Cleveland (after 30+ years since playing there several times, in the dark ages) on Aug. 20, 7pm, at Nighttown in Cleveland Hts. Anyone who feels like hopping over there or who knows folks in that area, please feel free to pass this on.

Thanks, I don't have the hometown advantage so hope to get a little help w/ spreading the word, eh?

Best,

Elli Fordyce
www.sonicbids.com/ellifordyce
www.cdbaby.com/ellifordyce
ellifordyce@msn.com

Aug 4, 2008
Tanisha

Hi Dr. Harrison!! Thanks for reaching out. I'm glad to be here! Love the photo of the classic Temptations microphone!! :-)

Aug 5, 2008
Muddy Kreek Blues Band

I look forward to meeting up with y ou some wednesday nite at Paparazii blues nite come to jam with the band.

Aug 5, 2008
Tanisha

I stand forewarned! LOLOL. Also, check his out - www.soulinterviews.com - cool new site covering soul, jazz and all things! I write for the Soul Chronicles section of the site!

Ciao!

Tanisha

Aug 6, 2008
Jibril Abdul-hafeez

Thank you sir...peace

Aug 7, 2008
Hallie

So I am flipping through my most recent book from the library, "Images of America:Pittsburgh Jazz" and guess who is playing the trombone on page 67?? Hint: His initials are N.H.
=)
***hugs***

Aug 8, 2008
Dorothylou Sands

I was living on Adelaide St. when Poogie's mother moved there. We have been friends ever since. I haven't seen him since he was a little boy. One of the times I was in Pgh. I visited his family, but he was out of town. My mother also went to Westinghouse.
D. Sands

Aug 10, 2008
Ed Skirtich

Hi Nelson,
I really like the web site!
This gives us a good chance to network and gain employment with each other.l

Thanks,
Ed Skirtich

Aug 11, 2008
Anthony (Tony) Janflone

Thanks Nelson. Glad to be cosidered a friend. Looking forward to being a contributing member.
Warmest regards,
Tony

Aug 11, 2008
Andy Hoke

Thanks for the tip on posting the event!

Show up with your sacbut, okay??

Aug 11, 2008
Ladyjd721

Be Blessed

Aug 11, 2008
Joan DesCarpentier

Hello Nelson:) I am very honored to be here. Yours is a beautiful city and full of life! WONDERFUL...your profile is mind boggleing. I love the trombone sound. I remember listening to my uncle play while my mom played the piano....those were the days! Thank you so very much and blessings to you(-:o

Aug 12, 2008
Najeeb Khouri

Thank you Nelson... What a great site this is.

Aug 16, 2008
Miss Freddye

This is a great site. Even though I'm a blues singer, I love jazz.
Thanks again for the invite! I will enhance my page as time goes on!

Aug 18, 2008
PittsburghBluesConnection.com

Hello Nelson, thank you, sorry it took me so long, have three sites going, now four, but hey, more is better I always say. I loe what you have creaed here. I couldn't agree with you more abou blues and jazz being joined at the hip so to speak. Looking to do good deeds for both for the benefit of all.
Blues & Jazz On!
John

Aug 19, 2008
Zicky / Producer

Thank you Nelson. The kind of work I do is that I'm a music producer, and I own a Recording Studio, and I'm trying to get my production company off the ground.

Aug 21, 2008
Amanda

Thanks for the invite! I hope to see you next time I'm in Pittsburgh and I want to introduce you to my husband and have him hear some real good American jazz!!! Love, Amanda

Aug 21, 2008
Musique Noire

Thank you for the welcome! In about a week or so, we'll have more info on our page--it's sure keeps you busy being an indie artist promoting yourself on so many good places on the web! Our debut CD will be out in about three weeks and hopefully we'll be playing Pittsburgh soon! Check out our page next week!

Aug 21, 2008
Kevin Hurst, Sr.

My best friend whom plays 'bone, I can't get to study or train his ears. One day he showed me a Howard Betters record and asked me if I ever heard of him! The record said he was a Pgh. area artist and he knew I lived there. I told him I used to go see him at a suburban Sheraton outside of Pgh. and he had a good group with him. My friend has photographed J.J., Al Grey,seen Steve Turre and now Wycliffe Jordan but he does not want to study? I have been trying to get him to train for 30 yrs!

Aug 22, 2008
Debi Arnett

You are right Nelson. Maybe they will take the hint. If you find it I will come. If I find it I will let youknow. Hugs till I see you again. Deb

Aug 23, 2008
Bruno

Your warm welcome is greatly appreciated! I will make sure to keep in touch with you!

Aug 25, 2008
John Mumma

I also want to say thanks for the warm welcome.

I haven't left Pittsburgh yet, but will in three weeks. I'll be missing Monday nights at AVA a whole lot---the music, the general scene.

Aug 25, 2008
Dr. Nelson Harrison

John,

We will miss you too. However, as a member of this network you will be able to stay in touch quite closely. Many of the things that I have been recording at Ava will soon appear on the network for you to enjoy continuously. Your regular presence at Ava helped to make it successful and we greatly appreciate it.

Aug 25, 2008
Eden McNutt

Thanks, Nelson, for your welcome, and for your inspirational work in establishing this system for communication. It's really nice to explore the network, and to be a part of it. I look forward to more.....and I'll be sure to spread the word.
be well, and hope to see you soon, Eden

Aug 26, 2008
Sweet William (Bill Howard)

Hey Nelson.it's always good to here from you. This is an amazing and well needed venue you've come up with. It doesn't surprise me that you would create such a well sought and sophisticated median. Please keep up the great work is uniting and leading Pittsburgh's host of talented and devoted artist and muscians. It's just another indispensible tool for understanding and learning about (The Giant Killers). smile!

Aug 26, 2008
Eric Ross

Hi Nelson: Thanks for note. Take a look at my website when you've a minute & say hi to Ken for me. Best, Eric

www.ericross.info

Aug 29, 2008
Boguslaw Ryczko

Saludos desde Polonia.

Aug 29, 2008
janice lee

Hey Nelson, had to stop to wish you a happy holiday weekend! Music sound great. Stop by!

Aug 29, 2008
Debi Sciranka

Hi Nelson -- am I able to edit the listing for the Jazz/Poetry concert you listed for me or can only you do that? I wanted to add the list of musicians who will be performing. Thanks! Also, do you know about the MCAI event at the New Hazlett Theater honoring Thad Mosley this Friday? Thought you might be interestred - here is the link to the event http://newhazletttheater.org/event/?event_id=187

Aug 31, 2008
jon armes

Thanks for giving me a shout out and all that information. I'am being educated already. Thanks PS I'am going to check out the songs now.

Sep 1, 2008
Grant

Greetings, Cuz! A big shout out to my boy's Godfather and Da Burgh's hot wire .. Long may you run! Love, Grant

Sep 1, 2008
Todd Gordon

Hi Nelson - many thanks for the invitation.

Best,
Todd

Sep 3, 2008
amber ojeda

Thanks Nelson :)

Have a wonderful day
Amber

Sep 3, 2008
M. J. Washington

Hi Nelson. Thanks for the welcome to the network! I'm hoping this will be a good place to get the word out about a documentary film I've produced. When you get a moment, please visit the site:
www.todancefilm.com Peace & Blessings, M. J.

Sep 4, 2008

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